Okay, I promised I would update this thing infrequently, and once again I’m living up to my promises. Here’s what I have to report: I’m a bit over halfway through a second novel, and am also doing freelance work and other things not worth describing here. I have a title for the novel and everything, and have decided not to worry that the title was used about thirty years ago by a still-read writer whose work I happen to admire, though I hadn’t come across this namesake book until a month or so ago. (I’m not sure why I’m keeping the title so mysterious.) I have a few new songs as well, maybe two of which are worth recording someday.

A few people have contended that I’ve cloaked my email address all too well on the “Who Is Dylan Hicks and How Can I Send Him a Fax?” page. That might be true. I’m trying to discourage junk mail, obviously. Anyway, if you’d like to email me, I’m dylan[underscore]hicks at Yahoo. More news in seven or eight months.

I’ve been reading and often rereading Robert Christgau since I was a teenager, so it was a thrill to get this typically sharp short-form review, a form of which Christgau is a past master. Alas the book made his “teeth hurt,” but he liked the songs and even “loved” the first four. If you’re looking to buy the LP or CD, the easiest way it through Bandcamp. A download code (but no dental referral) comes with the book.

One of my favorite passages from Evelyn Waugh comes from the author’s note to Vile Bodies. As they say, wait for it:

“It has been suggested to me that the chronology may be a little obscure. The book begins on November 10th, and the events of the first six sections occupied three days. The airship party and Lady Anchorage’s reception were on the same night–December 2nd. The motor races were on December 5th. Adam’s visit to the nursing home was on December 15th. Christmas is observed by the Western Church on December 25th.”

It was kind of Sam Lipsyte (whose forthcoming story collection I eagerly await) to interview me for the summer issue of Poets & Writers. I’m noting this because I’ve set a precedent for noting most press for the book, though the practice is touch more embarrassing when I can’t specifically link to the article, not available online. I can at least link to the website.